Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has made headlines by stepping down as the vice-president of the RSPCA due to concerns over animal welfare failings in its farm certification scheme. The RSPCA’s ‘Assured’ label, which certifies farms for meeting certain standards, has come under scrutiny after reports of failings in over 200 farms.
Animal welfare activists have conducted undercover investigations and found that the scheme, covering around 4,000 farms, was not ensuring basic legal standards for animal welfare. Allegations against around 40 farms included overcrowding, poor hygiene, and even physical abuse of livestock by farm workers.
Sir Brian May, a long-time advocate for animal welfare, published his resignation letter on Instagram, citing “damning evidence” of poor standards in member farms of the RSPCA Assured scheme. He called for the scheme to be dismantled due to its failure in supervision.
The RSPCA has responded by launching a full and independent review of the Assured scheme, with results yet to be published. President Chris Packham and vice-president Caroline Lucas have stated that they will not take any action until the findings are released.
Animal welfare campaigners have called for bold and decisive action from the RSPCA to address the failings in the Assured scheme. They have also called for Mr. Packham to step down from his role as president.
The RSPCA has expressed respect for Sir Brian’s decision to resign and emphasized the importance of ensuring better welfare standards in farming practices. They have launched an independent review of the Assured scheme and pledged to take any necessary action to address the issues raised.
The controversy surrounding the RSPCA’s farm certification scheme highlights the ongoing debate over animal welfare in the food industry and the need for stricter standards to protect animals from harm.
